Halloween Countdown - Day 8

Today's poem comes to us from the pen of the American editor, novelist, and satirist, John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922). 

Hallowe'en

The ghosts of all things past parade, 

Emerging from the mist and shade 

That hid them from our gaze, 

And, full of song and ringing mirth, 

In one glad moment of rebirth, 

And again they walk the ways of earth 

As in the ancient days.

The beacon light shines on the hill, 

The will-o'-wisps the forests fill 

With flashes filched from noon;

And witches on their broomsticks spry 

Speed here and yonder in the sky, 

And lift their strident voices high

Unto the Hunter's Moon.

The air resounds with tuneful notes 

From myriads of straining throats, 

All hailing Folly Queen; 

So join the swelling choral throng, 

Forget your sorrow and your wrong, 

In one glad hour of joyous song 

To honor Hallowe'en!

Our International Art Publishing Company postcard dates from 1908 and is the work of the American illustrator, Bernhardt Wall (1872-1956). Wall was self-taught and at the height of his career was represented by as many as fifteen postcard companies. He is often called the "Postcard King" having illustrated more than 5000 cards, including a series of propaganda cards during World War I.